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First Light from Extrasolar Planets and Implications for AstrobiologyThe first light from an extrasolar planet was recently detected. These results, obtained for two transiting extrasolar planets at different infrared wavelengths, open a new era in the field of extrasolar planet detection and characterization because for the first time we can now detect planets beyond the solar system directly. Using the Spitzer Space Telescope at 24 microns, we observed the modulation of combined light (star plus planet) from the HD 209458 system as the planet disappeared behind the star during secondary eclipse and later re-emerged, thereby isolating the light from the planet. We obtained a planet-to-star ratio of 0.26% at 24 microns, corresponding to a brightness temperature of 1130 + / - 150 K. We will describe this result in detail, explain what it can tell us about the atmosphere of HD 209458 b, and discuss implications for the field of astrobiology. These results represent a significant step on the path to detecting terrestrial planets around other stars and in understanding their atmospheres in terms of composition and temperature.
Document ID
20050180383
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Richardson, L. Jeremy
(National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Seager, Sara
Harrington, Joseph
Deming, Drake
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Astrobiology and the Origins of Life
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Country: Canada
Start Date: May 24, 2005
End Date: May 28, 2005
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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